Book Reviews

Book Blurb

What would you do for love?

On a balmy September evening, Tallus and Diem discover a man who has been attacked in an alley. Saving his life seems like the right thing to do. With his dying breath, the man thrusts an item upon the couple and makes one request. Get rid of it.

The mysterious object proves to be valuable, and Tallus doesn’t want to part with it. Keeping it makes Diem uncomfortable in a way he can’t explain. Tempers flare, but before they can come to an agreement, everything unravels.

The item is more dangerous than either of them realized.

Lies and secrets threaten to tear the couple apart as Diem is drawn into something dark and menacing. Keeping his hotheaded boyfriend safe proves to be almost impossible, but Diem’s been given a task, and he will not fail.

If he does, he will lose everything.

 

Book Review

“You open up your arms and give me a new start. I need you, I need you more than my next breath…” ~ Hawk Nelson

 

Diem and Tallus, of 'A Breath of Life' by Nicky James, have come a long way in their relationship since they first met. It hasn't been an easy task considering how many problems Diem has. Tallus understands his struggles and often knows how to weather the storm. Recent events have left Diem feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Tallus is more stubborn than usual, which intensifies Diem's emotional burden. Despite these challenges, Diem's love for Tallus remains strong, and he is willing to do anything to keep him safe – as long as Tallus lets him.

 

While walking home one night, Diem's emotional support dog, Honey, keeps insisting there is something in an alley nearby that warrants their attention. After a while, Diem and Tallus give in and go to check it out. They find a man who has been viciously attacked. They get him help, but he won't leave before insisting that they take a playing card, explaining that it has never brought him anything but trouble and that they should get rid of it. But, instead of tossing it in the nearest dumpster, they keep it mainly because Tallus wants to know what it's worth. 

 

As the stranger predicted, keeping the card causes all kinds of trouble between Diem and Tallus, especially after how much they realize it is worth. Tallus wants to keep it, Diem doesn't. They argue, Diem goes out to cool off but doesn't come home for hours, causing Tallus to wonder what has happened to him. But it's not until Tallus sees how badly Diem is injured that he is seriously concerned. To make matters worse, Diem can't tell Tallus what happened to him because knowing the truth will put him in even greater danger.

 

'A Breath of Life' is an emotional read filled with danger and intrigue. Amid all the chaos, Diem demonstrates his love and compassion, despite his own emotional struggles. When the people he loves most are put in jeopardy, he steps up and does whatever it takes to keep them safe. Thank you, Nicky, for another nail-biting, breathtaking, and intense story. I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 470 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-September-2025
Price	$5.99 ebook, $16.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Breath-Life-Shadowy-Solutions-Book-ebook/dp/B0CTHP2SS1